History of the Schlemmer Mercantile in Kyle, Texas explored.

Schlemmer Mercantile was first opened in 1884 in a large rock building. Schlemmer Mercantile  was owned by N. C. Schlemmer and Fred Schlemmer. Schlemmer Mercantile was owned and operated by the Schlemmer Brothers from the very beginning. L. C. Schlemmer came to Kyle in 1890 and was in charge of management. The name of this business was changed several times to names such as N. C. Schlemmer & Bro., L. C. Schlemmer & Bro., Schlemmer Bros, Schlemmer Mercantile Co., the Schlemmer Co., and Schlemmer Grocery. (Ref: https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth614332/m1/16/)

Herman F. Schlemmer came to Kyle in 1890, engaging in the mercantile business with his brothers. The management of the business was turned over to Herman F. Schlemmer and L. C. Schlemmer in 1893. Schlemmer Mercantile Company was then the largest business in Hays County consisting of dry goods, groceries, hardware, in. pigments, vehicles, machinery, etc. Herman F. Schlemmer was a good man. He had conducted himself as to have the esteem and confidence of the people of this community a few men have. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/kyle-news-apr-30-1943-p-1/)

Schlemmer Mercantile had re-opened as Schlemmer Mercantile Company on February 4, 1913. Schlemmer Mercantile Company was a domestic for-profit corporation. (Ref: https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_tx/0002552600)

According to the Houston Post, Schlemmer Mercantile Company had increased their capital stocks from $138,000 to $165,000 in 1917. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/94881954/)

A notice from the City of Kyle regarding city taxes and property taxes was given to L. C. Schlemmer for Schlemmer Mercantile Company in 1932. Apparently Schlemmer Mercantile Company had not been paying city taxes and property taxes. A notice was posted in the Kyle News newspaper that year. The taxes were due. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/kyle-news-feb-12-1932-p-1/)

On January 1, 1943, L. C. Schlemmer sold the grocery part of the business to Lee Williams retaining the small stock of hardware which he operated prior to the time of his death. This last change was made because of his failing health. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/kyle-news-apr-30-1943-p-1/)

Schlemmer Mercantile was shut down in 1950 by the State of Texas due to tax forfeiture. 1950 was the last year this business would operate. (Ref: https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_tx/0002552600)

Schlemmer Mercantile is now home to a grocery store called that is now Center Street Grocery near on Center Street. The large rock building still stands. (Ref: https://books.google.com/books?id=GlSRGX_6JcsC&pg=PA49&lpg=PA49)